Today I learned a lot more about sustainability as we visited a tulip farm, floating houses and sustainable buildings. First, we visited the tulip farms which play a huge role in the Dutch economy. I learned that the climate of the Netherlands is well suited for tulip growth, which allows the country to export over 2 billion tulip bulbs annually.

We then visited a neighborhood of floating houses which was incredible to see. The neighborhood started with a small group of friends with an innovative idea. This resulted in a beautiful neighborhood of houses that float on water. One sustainability issue that a resident discussed was how nearby construction polluted the water while also being very loud. This is unfortunate to hear because the company that is making the building did not consult with the nearby residents before doing so.

After the floating houses we went to the EDGE building. The EDGE building is one of the pioneers for sustainable and innovative office buildings. We first were educated on the history of the company and the building. After this we were given a tour. The building prioritized having lots of sunlight, plants and smart systems to keep the work environment comfortable and healthy for the workers. The coolest sustainable aspect I learned about is how the building produces more energy than it consumes, making it eco-friendly and sustainable.